LWV distributes Voters Guides and sponsors forum

The League of Women Voters’ Voters Guides are now available for the Nov. 6 general election at several locations in Amarillo and Canyon.

Similar information, in a slightly different format, is also available at the League’s election website www.vote411.org.

The nonpartisan, printed Guide contains information on local, state and national races and candidates’ answers to questions on their qualifications and positions on issues. It also lists polling places in Potter and Randall counties and information on early voting, which will run from Oct. 22 through Nov. 2.

Candidates in all parties on the ballot were invited to respond, said Linda Eichblatt, local Voters Guide chair.

Voters Guides are available at Amarillo Public Library and its branches; both campuses of Amarillo College; Potter County offices on the first floor of the Santa Fe Building; Randall County Annex; Amarillo City Hall; Amarillo Independent School District administrative offices; Amarillo and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce; Amarillo Senior Citizens Center; Hilltop Senior Citizens Center; Wesley Community Center; Black Historical Culture Center; all YMCA locations; Kids, Inc.; J.O. Wyatt Community Health Center; Thomas Creek Veterans Administration Hospital; Amarillo Public Health Department; several senior retirement centers; and Education Credit Union locations. Business locations in Amarillo include banks, Albertson’s, United Supermarkets, Fiesta Foods, Hastings, Starbucks, Roasters and various locations in Canyon.

Guides will also be available at a meet-and-greet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the league’s candidates forum in Amarillo Senior Citizens Center’s Main Hall, 1220 S. Polk St. The forum will allow Amarillo and area voters to have an opportunity to hear the views of opposed candidates in the November elections, including those running for the State Board of Education.

After all have spoken, audience members may submit written, issue-only questions to the candidates. James Hunt, KGNC radio talk show host, will serve as moderator.

“As citizens, we need to become as informed as possible about our political candidates and how they stand on the issues in order to make the best decisions at the ballot box,” Barbara Cheek, LWV forum chair, said. “If we want to remain a free people, we cannot afford to be apathetic.”

Early voting begins Oct. 22 and will continue through Nov. 2. The general election is Nov. 6.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages active and informed participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. It does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. For more information, call Cheek at 806-383-5848.